Honest review
Rahaa Resort is for those who choose the Maldives on the away-from-the-crowds principle: the southern part of the archipelago, the little-known Laamu Atoll, near-untouched nature.
The main trade-off first: the categories are beach only — villas facing the ocean or the saltwater lake at the centre of the island. There are no overwater villas, and it is fairer to know that before booking. The lake itself, though, is a natural rarity, and the white-sand beach and crystal-clear water hold their own.
Snorkelling and diving are what make the flight worthwhile: a colourful underwater world, a PADI centre with snorkelling trips to the house reef and outings to the popular dive sites. Children are looked after too — there is a dedicated learn-to-dive programme and a kids' club, so families with young divers do particularly well here.
A week's programme comes together easily: dolphin searches, a local island, fishing, a sunset cruise. For honeymooners — a vow-exchange ceremony, romantic dinners and picnics.
Who it suits: divers, families and couples for whom the seclusion of the southern atolls matters more than a villa on stilts.
